In an experiment, cultured fibroblasts are mechanically lysed, and the membrane lipids and cellular proteins are chemically removed to isolate nucleic acids. The cellular extract containing the purified nucleic acids is incubated along with short sequences of repeated deoxythymidine residues fixed to latex beads. The solution is washed several times to remove unbound molecules. Which of the following types of nucleic acid is most likely to bind the strongest to the latex beads in this experiment?

Question

In an experiment, cultured fibroblasts are mechanically lysed, and the membrane lipids and cellular proteins are chemically removed to isolate nucleic acids.  The cellular extract containing the purified nucleic acids is incubated along with short sequences of repeated deoxythymidine residues fixed to latex beads.  The solution is washed several times to remove unbound molecules.  Which of the following types of nucleic acid is most likely to bind the strongest to the latex beads in this experiment?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The poly-A tail is not transcribed from DNA; instead, it is added as a post-transcriptional modification downstream of the consensus sequence (AAUAAA) located near the 3' end of the mRNA molecule.  This tail protects mRNA from degradation within the cytoplasm after it exits the nucleus.

In an Experiment, Cultured Fibroblasts Are Mechanically Lysed, and the Membrane